# Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets player trade

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/atlanta-hawks-and-charlotte-hornets-player-trade
> Updated: 2026-09-26T23:00:00.000Z. Sources: 34. Developments: 4.

The Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets finalized a trade involving Dorian Finney-Smith, Buddy Hield, and Ryan Nembhard. Atlanta acquired Finney-Smith, a ‘3-and-D’ specialist, to bolster perimeter defense and wing depth while creating a trade exception of approximately $2.1 million. Charlotte received Hield and Nembhard, along with cash considerations, to provide veteran scoring for a young core featuring LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.

Following this, the Charlotte Hornets engaged in a trade with the Chicago Bulls, sending Buddy Hield and cash considerations to Chicago in exchange for Rob Dillingham, the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft. Dillingham joins Charlotte’s rebuilding efforts, while Hield moves to Chicago to provide perimeter shooting for their rotation.

As part of broader roster restructuring following the offseason trade of star guard LaMelo Ball, the Hornets have continued to adjust their depth chart. In a recent move to trim the roster ahead of the upcoming season, the Hornets waived both Rob Dillingham and Ryan Nembhard. Dillingham, a former Kentucky standout, struggled to find a consistent rotation role during his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Bulls. Nembhard, who had recently joined Charlotte via the transaction from Atlanta, was also released. Reports indicate that the Denver Nuggets are among several teams monitoring Nembhard’s availability on the waiver wire.

## Claims

- The Atlanta Hawks are acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith from the Charlotte Hornets. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Charlotte Hornets are receiving Buddy Hield, Ryan Nembhard, and cash in the trade. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The trade requires approval from the NBA league office. (single source)
- Ryan Nembhard was acquired by the Hawks from the Dallas Mavericks in July and is now being moved to the Hornets. (single source)
- Charlotte acquired Dorian Finney-Smith from the Houston Rockets earlier this offseason. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: Charlotte Hornets waive guards Rob Dillingham and Ryan Nembhard

The Charlotte Hornets have waived guards Rob Dillingham and Ryan Nembhard as they trim their roster before the NBA season begins.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/charlotte-hornets-execute-roster-moves-involving-rob-dillingham-and-ryan-nembhard

### 2026-09-26: Chicago Bulls trade Rob Dillingham to Charlotte Hornets for Buddy Hield

The Chicago Bulls are acquiring veteran shooter Buddy Hield from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for guard Rob Dillingham and cash considerations.

26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-bulls-trade-rob-dillingham-to-charlotte-hornets-for-buddy-hield

### 2026-09-22: Atlanta Hawks trade Buddy Hield and Ryan Nembhard to Charlotte Hornets

The Atlanta Hawks have traded Buddy Hield and Ryan Nembhard to the Charlotte Hornets for forward Dorian Finney-Smith. Charlotte is expected to waive Nembhard to manage its roster size.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/atlanta-hawks-trade-dorian-finney-smith-to-charlotte-hornets

### 2026-09-19: Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets discuss Buddy Hield trade

The Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets are discussing a potential trade involving Buddy Hield and Dorian Finney-Smith as both teams prepare for the upcoming NBA season.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/atlanta-hawks-and-charlotte-hornets-discuss-buddy-hield-trade

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Cite as: Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets player trade. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/atlanta-hawks-and-charlotte-hornets-player-trade